Winter light

Week 02, 14 January 2017 - Jahra Pools Reserve

Well, it's the start of a new year and the french physician and astrologer Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus) had a few interesting prophecies for 2017 that are obviously open to interpretation.
1. Floods and drought
2. Thunder and conflict
3. A battle at sunset
4. A little break
5. A royal scandal
6. A weird version of Animal Farm
7. A weakened West
To read more about these, which he wrote in four-line verses - check the URL and see if any strike a chord; 
https://www.indy100.com/article/nostradamus-predictions-2017-astrology-7509551 

On route to the Pools, I made a stop to check a site where Hypocolius have been seen early in the morning and I wasn't disappointed. There was quite a large vocal flock that were sitting high in the trees waiting for the winter sun's rays to hit the tops of the trees.

Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus)

Female Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus)

Male Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus)

After enjoying these great birds for around 20-minutes I continued on my way. The Pools were relatively quiet this morning, Common Pochard were still present on the main pool with quite a few drake birds present

Drake Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

As well as the Great Crested Grebe

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Walking on water....

A female Eurasian Sparrowhawk was seen over the reeds

Female Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

And later displayed some territorial behaviour my mobbing a Western Marsh Harrier repeatedly after which the Harrier decided to go an hunt elsewhere in the reserve - it was an interesting display to watch

Mid-air interaction between 2 females - Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

As there was not much more about, it was a short outing to get the 2017 list kick-started